Metals (E) - Encylopedia Of Antiques

ECUELLE: The French name for a vessel resembling an English porringer, very popular in France in the 18th century. It was usually of silver, although sometimes made of pewter or faience, with two handles, and as a rule a domed cover was added.

ENGRAVING: Marking with a sharp tool which removes a portion of the surface. This was the decorative process most commonly used on early silver.

EPERGNE: An ornamental silver table stand for sweetmeats, etc.

EMBOSSING: Producing raised or projecting figures or designs in relief on the surface of metalwork.

ENGLISH PEWTER: See PEWTER, English.

ENGLISH SILVER: See SILVER, English.

ESCUTCHEON: A key-hole plate of metal, first of iron or bronze, later usually of brass. The design followed the style of the handles on furniture. It was an important detail during the 18th century.

ESTAMIER: The old French name for pewterer.

EWER: A jug-like shape, the earliest of which dates from the 15th century. Accompanying it was a basin or a salver, and water from the ewer was poured into the basin for cleansing the hands after meals. They were rarely made after the middle of the 18th century.

EXTINGUISHER: A cone shaped cap for putting out the flame of a candle or whale-oil lamp, instead of blowing this out. It usually had a hook attached. See CANDLE SNUFFERS.